History of Alexander Hamilton in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: April 24, 2025

Alexander Hamilton was a prominent American statesman, Founding Father, and the first U.S. Secretary of the Treasury. He served under President George Washington from 1789 to 1795. A key figure in the early development of the United States, Hamilton played a crucial role in shaping the nation's financial system and establishing a strong federal government. His contributions were instrumental in the ratification of the Constitution and the formation of the country's economic policies.

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1902: Gertrude Atherton Popularizes Claim of Hamilton's Jewish Ancestry

In 1902, Gertrude Atherton's novel "The Conqueror", a fictionalized biography of Alexander Hamilton, popularized the belief that Hamilton was Jewish, marking the earliest known written assertion of this claim.

The Conqueror

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1997: Paul Johnson calls Hamilton a genius

In 1997, historian Paul Johnson described Alexander Hamilton as a genius, stating that he was the only Founding Father fully entitled to that accolade, possessing elusive, indefinable characteristics of genius.

2004: Chernow's biography suggests Hamilton might have owned slaves

In 2004, Ron Chernow, in his biography of Hamilton, suggested that Hamilton and his wife Eliza might have owned one or two household slaves, based on "oblique hints" found in Hamilton's papers, although there is no definite proof.

February 2015: The New Yorker describes Hamilton musical

In February 2015, The New Yorker described the Broadway musical Hamilton as "an achievement of historical and cultural reimagining," highlighting its portrayal of an immigrant's rise as the story of America.

2016: Hamilton receives the Pulitzer Prize for Drama

In 2016, the musical Hamilton was awarded the Pulitzer Prize for Drama and set a record with 16 Tony Award nominations, ultimately winning 11, including Best Musical.